Once again proving the best accessories for a summer wardrobe are a well-defined chest and rock-hard abs, ridiculously gorgeous Rod 2.0 fave LL Cool J covers the August Men's Fitness. After salivating over the cover, enjoy the eight-page editorial (video) to learn some workout tips from the 40-year-old rapper, actor and designer.
LL, whose real name is Todd Smith, has joked that because of his "sexy" image many men are embarrassed to admit they enjoy his music. In the MF editorial, the music and fitness icon dismisses persistent rumors that his newly-buffed body was chemically or surgically enhanced. "I looked in the mirror and didn't like what I saw," he says of a time seven years ago, when he decided to diet and hit the weights with a fierceness. "I saw some ripples on my back and some spots that I didn't feel comfortable with. But I wanted to do it the right way and not go lie on anybody's operating table. It took a lot I had to dig deep, but, that is what I am doing."
LL Cool J first made the cover of Men's Fitness in July 2003. He becomes the only two-time cover model in the magazine's history.
Did You Read ... ?
LL: "Guys Uncomfortable Admitting" They "Like" Me [R20]
LL Does Fashion Week [R20]
106th & LL [R20]
LL: Most Wanted Body [R20]
LL and YouthAIDS [R20]
Modern and Fabulous [R20]
News: NJ Gay Marriage, LL Likes Facials [R20]
News: LL Cool J, Sharpton [R20]
LL Cool J looks better and better every year. The hip-hop blogs and ghetto blogs constantly accuse him of having plastic surgery. Sorry, some people just know how to stay in shape.
Posted by: CC | 07 July 2008 at 09:37
LL is an inspiration. He is 40 years old and fabulous, looking much better than almost all the men half his age. I'm actually following his lead and re-dedicating myself to fitness. You know gay men in our 30s, it's all about the gym. Gawd, Mr. Smith is a stunna.
Posted by: Mark | 07 July 2008 at 09:40
The hip hop and gossip blogs are frequented by haters. Those blogs live to talk about anybody and especially any celebrity. LL looks great, a little too pumped up for my tastes, I prefer the old chubby cheeks LL, but he ain't bad. I am so glad to see that 23 years after he came on the scene LL is still the man.
Posted by: Michael RS | 07 July 2008 at 09:42
I love LL. Love him, love him, love him. It's very telling that not only has he managed to stay at the 'top' of his game for almost a quarter century, but, he looks better than ever while the tweenyboppers and 20 something are the ones looking busted. Keep it up, LL.
Posted by: Henry TW | 07 July 2008 at 10:03
Michael, that is an interesting observation about the hip hop and gossip blogs.
There was another thread on this blog last week on the body fascism, if you will, and as a rule heterosexual women are much less body-obsessed than gay men. Which is why their preferences and idols trend to be more boy next doorish. I don't know if LL is more or less popular now, but, he certainly gets much more attention because of his body. It seems older women and the gays are in love with him, and younger women and men are very 'meh.'
Posted by: A. Ronald | 07 July 2008 at 10:09
The gays love LL because not only is he a gorgeous man, but, he is not a hater and appreciates the compliments. Oh, there are few stories to go along with that, but, I'm not one to gossip.
Posted by: Abernathy | 07 July 2008 at 11:09
A. Ronald, good call. The white t-shirt boys do not like LL and it is for a very good reason. They are jealous.
Posted by: BL | 07 July 2008 at 11:48
Not really feeling LL since he did whatever he did to his face. I used to like his face and his body now since he did something to it (that ain't just him getting older) I can't be down. Still has a great body though.
Posted by: Dre | 07 July 2008 at 16:10
first, you are evil for posting these full-size images. second, god bless you for posting these full-size images.
ll is permanently on my list...
Posted by: malik m.l. williams | 07 July 2008 at 16:38
The loud thump you hear is me falling off my chair and having seizures...Oh did I mention I LOVE him? Yeah? Okay...
Posted by: Shabaka | 07 July 2008 at 18:26
"40-year-old raper" - that's hot.
Posted by: gamera87 | 07 July 2008 at 20:59
This is my video from LL Cool J's concert that his people invited me to here in Seattle. They had me stand up front in front of a speaker so he would see me. I was told no matter who pushed me not to let them move me. I'm a big boy. no problem with that!LOL so heres the video. you'll see about the 6:23 mark he throws me a towel as i start to capture. i went crazy. almost gave me a heart attack. lol check it out...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JpfC8YI67R4
and he loves my headsprung video that made me a viral video star. you've probably seen it...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vhMX4aKPI5s
Posted by: Jeff Hobbs aka JackEbrown | 30 July 2008 at 04:40
what i forgot to say was he loves big women. there were skinny chicks up there. he paid no attention to them. the bbws he was all over them. huggin, kissin etc. and as far as throwign me that towel he could be a chubby chaser too. heeeeeeeeeeey!! lol that totally proves hes gay friendly that he would give a guy a towel right? :)
Posted by: Jeff Hobbs | 30 July 2008 at 04:42